Arabella’s POVThe two weeks of enduring my heat had taken a toll on me, physically and emotionally. As the intensity subsided, I began to regain a sense of normalcy, or at least what I thought was normal. But as I pondered the concept, doubts crept into my mind. Is there truly such a thing as being normal? And if so, what does it even mean?The weight of my losses pressed heavily upon me. My parents were gone. My soul mate, the one who was supposed to complete me, was gone. In the midst of this grief and turmoil, I was expected to continue leading my pack as their Alpha. But how could I fulfill that role when I no longer knew who I was?The identity I had built for myself, the confidence and strength that once defined me, felt shattered. I questioned my ability to guide and protect my pack when I felt lost and broken inside. How could I be their leader when I couldn't even lead myself?In the midst of this uncertainty, I knew I had to find a way to rediscover myself, to rebuild my se
Leo’s POV For two weeks, I had been trapped in the recesses of Shadow's mind, relinquishing control of my own life. Arabella, the woman I loved,may have rejected me, but the mark I had left on her skin remained, connecting us in a way that I couldn't escape no matter how much I tried. It was a constant reminder of the pain and turmoil she was going through, giving me a front row seat.As I resided within Shadow's consciousness, I felt everything Arabella experienced. Her pain and fear became my own as she went into heat, a result of the rejection I refused to accept. It tore at my heart to know that I was the cause of her suffering, even if it was unintentional.Every moment, I longed to be by her side, to offer comfort and support. But I knew that my presence would only exacerbate her pain.I had made mistakes, kept secrets that had ultimately led to this moment. If only I had been honest from the beginning, if I had revealed my true nature before we grew close, perhaps we could hav
Arabella’s POV"Bella, I understand that you're going through a tough time right now, but what you said was completely uncalled for. Susie had her reasons for keeping her secret, and you know that as well as I do. She didn't intentionally lie to you; she was just trapped in a difficult situation. If your own sibling had asked you to keep a secret, what would you have done?" Sara sighed, disappointed.Deep down, I knew she was right. Susie wasn't the one responsible for my unhappiness, but I couldn't deny that she could have at least prepared me for it."So what? You expect me to just forgive her? Forgive him?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.Sara held up her hands defensively. "I'm not saying that, don't twist my words. Arabella, I've been by your side throughout all of this. I've supported you from the beginning. All I'm asking is that you trust me now."I sighed, feeling torn. "I do trust you, Sara, but I can't bring myself to trust them.""Then trust me, for fuck's sake!" S
Leo’s POVThe metallic aroma of blood invaded my senses even before I dared to open my eyes. Its tangy, coppery scent served as a haunting reminder of the destruction I had once again unleashed. As I sat on the damp grass, my head shook in disbelief at the lifeless bodies before me. I had convinced myself that I was prepared to fight for Arabella, or at least I believed I was. However, witnessing the sheer horror reflected in her eyes as she discovered the aftermath of my killing spree, fear overcame me, and I fled like a fucking coward.Having sifted through the belongings of those whose lives I had ended, I stumbled upon a lighter and a set of fresh clothes. With a heavy heart, I dragged the lifeless bodies into the tent. Taking a moment to steady myself, I took a swig from the bottle of bourbon I had found, letting the fiery liquid burn my throat. Pouring the remaining contents of the bottle over the evidence, dousing it in alcohol while I played with the lighter. With a flick, I s
Leo’s POVAs I reached the freeway, a familiar scent filled my senses. Part of me felt a wave of relief knowing that she was aware of my presence, but Shadow, was far from pleased. Our primal instincts clashed as we battled for control over my body. Just like me, he had loved her deeply, yearning for the completion of our bond and the start of our life together. However, her rejection had extinguished that flame within him. Now, all he desired was her death.Each time I regained consciousness, I could feel us drawing closer to the Spring Lake pack, and I knew without a doubt that his murderous intentions were genuine. Despite his hatred, I couldn't help but love her.No matter how much I tried to control Shadow and prevent him taking the reins, he was stronger. His anger made him even more powerful and drew from it. Once again, I was pushed to the back of my mind and forced to watch as an unwilling participant as Shadow took control of the truck, spinning it around in the middle of th
Chapter Twenty-EightArabella’s POVAs I was ushered away from Leo, a whirlwind of emotions threatened to consumed me. Anger, fear, and betrayal swirled within, making it difficult to process the events that had just unfolded.How could I have been so foolish to believe that he deserved another chance? I had gone to great lengths to protect him from the council, only to be met with the terrifying reality that his inner beast could have easily ended my life.The realisation hit me like a tidal wave. It was clear that Leo's Lycan had no regard for my safety. The way he had lunged at me, the sharp claws digging into my skin, it was a chilling reminder of the danger I had willingly placed myself in.I had ignored the warnings, the doubts that had nagged at the back of my mind. I had wanted to see the good in him, to believe that love and understanding could conquer all. That maybe, just maybe, the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing. But now, I was left with the harsh reality that my tru
Chapter Twenty-NineArabella’s POVI had never experienced such nerves and guilt before. It wasn't Leo who had taken the lives of those innocent people, it was Shadow. So, was it fair that Leo had to suffer because of his Lycan? That question plagued my mind, and I couldn't find an answer.Being the Alpha of an entire pack meant that they relied on me to make the right decisions. They were just starting to trust me, and now I had to make a choice. Or at least, I believed I did.As the jury deliberated, time seemed to stretch. I felt the need to step outside and bask in the warmth of the sun. Who knew when I would have the chance again if things didn't go in my favor.‘Shadow isn't evil, he's just misunderstood.’ Storms voice no longer held the calmness it used to, instead, her words were blunt and short.Ever since I rejected Leo, my wolf and I had been at odds. And since the moment I handed him over to the council, she had refused to let us shift. I couldn't blame her, though. Our wo
Leo’s POVArabella was too good for me. Especially considering all the mistakes I had made since she rejected me. I had urged her to fight for our relationship, desperately wanting her back. But deep down, I knew I was trapped in this place, with no hope of escape. Even if I miraculously managed to gain my freedom, there was always the looming threat of Shadow regaining control and going after Arabella once again.The risks were too great, and I couldn't bear the thought of Arabella becoming another victim of my cursed existence as a Lycan. She had already endured so much pain and suffering. She deserved a life filled with joy and fulfillment, one that would undoubtedly be longer and happier without me in the picture.As the guard approached to take me away, my body felt drained of all strength. I could barely muster the energy to stand. With a forceful grip, he yanked me up, causing me to stumble and collapse back onto the ground. Frustration consumed the guard, and he lashed out, de
Arabella’s POV“Sit on there.” I told Leo pointing to the suede armchair in the corner.Leo didn’t hesitate and sat down as quick as he could having left his suit trousers scattered on the floor.It didn’t matter how many times I’d seen this man naked, I still found every inch of him attractive. If anything after all these years, I loved him more.With Leo sat in the chair, his legs parted, I climbed onto his lap.“I love you.” I whispered against his lips, before lowering myself on to him.Hearing my words Leo leaned forward in the chair wrapping his arms around me, and held me close while I rode him. He matched my rhythm with thrusts of his until I fell from the cliff of pleasure. And then, his thrusts became more desperate as I felt him twitch within me.Having gotten cleaned up and reclaimed our place by the roaring fire, I feel into a deep sleep in the arms of the man I loved.Fifteen years later…15 years later…Many years had passed and our lives had changed in ways we never co
Leo’s POV As I sat there and watched the transfer of Alpha ceremony, memories of the past flooded my mind.The day that Joel came and told me that Ankaras father had chosen him to take over his position as Alpha. Proud didn’t even begin to describe how I felt.But then another, more gruelling memory gripped me, transporting me back to the hospital room where Joel lay battered and broken, fighting for his life after the vicious attack by his own father. The sight of him, bruised and bloodied, had stirred a deep well of anger and sorrow within me, a helpless ache for the pain he had endured. Just thinking about it had my knuckles instantly turning white.The journey from that dark and harrowing day to the present, where Joel stood as a beacon of strength and resilience, had been a tumultuous one. The scars, both physical and mental, bore witness to the battles he had fought, the demons he had faced, and the strength he had summoned to rise above his past.But now, to witness the young
Arabella’s POVFive years later….“We are going to be so late!” I called out, hoping Leo could hear me.“I’m out, and we have time.”“But not a lot. We need to make sure that Miles is ready, and that…” My words were cut off as Leo’s lips suddenly met mine. I had been so focused on rushing around that I hadn’t even noticed he was standing right in front of me.His kiss took me by surprise, but it was a welcome distraction from the chaos of getting ready for the ceremony. As we pulled apart, I couldn’t help but smile at him.Leo grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just trying to calm you down, Arabella. We’ll make it in time, I promise.”I felt a rush of gratitude for him in that moment. Despite the craziness of our lives, he always knew how to bring me back to the present.Taking a deep breath I turned to quickly checked on Miles, who was surprisingly calm and ready to go. His earlier meltdown seemed like a distant memory, as he sat there watching the t.v.As we made our way to
Chapter Ninety-TwoArabella’s POV"Are you sure you're okay about not having a dress?" Sara asked as she finished curling the last strands of my hair."I really am. I love Leo, I love him more than life itself. I don’t want to wait to marry him," I reassured her, smiling at my reflection in the mirror."Well, that's good because he hasn't stopped bloody calling me," Susie's unexpected entrance startled me."I'm sorry I'm late," she added, looking apologetic."We would have been here earlier, but moving cripples me," I heard Trudy's voice before I saw her. And man did my eyes pop."You’re pregnant!" I screeched, spinning in my chair, unable to contain my surprise."I certainly am, and I don’t regret the decision at all," Trudy responded, her gaze locking with Susie's."How? When?" I stammered, still in shock and struggling to process the information."Long story short, we used a sperm donor. Because we both wanted a baby, we implanted one of my eggs into Trudy's womb before the sperm,
Arabella’s POVJoel and I were in the office for ages. At first he ignored me, but when he realised I wasn’t going to leave, he began to listen and we talked. He told me that coming into our family was a mistake, that if Leo and I truly wanted him, then we’d have allowed him to remain in wolf form until after the run. I got what he was saying, but he also had to understand that being given a wolf like Bax… a wolf that can communicate with us at will wasn’t something that happened all the time.Until Leo marked me, I couldn’t communicate with Storm.When I told him of Leo’s fears, Joel began to let up. He began to understand why we asked him to shift back. That, and the fact he was now no longer skinny shocked us.With Joel calmed down, we left my office and headed back into the garden where everyone was waiting.My eyes found Leo within seconds. I watched as he stood from his chair and walked straight over to Joel and I. With our eyes still locked, I glared at him. But thankfully, he
Arabella’s POVThe moment Joel's shift was complete, I sank to my knees. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I took in the sight before me.Joel’s wolf approached me, taking a few steps closer before gently laying down and placing his paw on my lap."Oh sweetheart, you're beautiful," I managed to choke out through my sobs, that were filled with nothing but love and pride for the magnificent creature he had become.I turned to Leo, who was standing behind me, and asked, "Doesn't he look amazing!" Leo nodded in agreement but then took a step forward. With his gaze fixed on Joel's wolf, he gently pulled me back."Can you sense it?" Leo asked, his words leaving me puzzled."Sense what? What are you talking about?" I questioned, rising to my feet."His wolf, its aura," Leo clarified. In that moment, I understood. I had felt a shift in Joel’s aura, but neither I nor my own wolf sensed any threat."Joel, it's time to shift back now, buddy," Leo's voice sounded tense as he called out to Joel.I
Leo’s POV"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Joel, happy birthday to you!" We all sang in unison, our voices filling the room.Joel's face flushed with embarrassment as Kate dimmed the lights, and Arabella emerged, carrying a cake topped with a flickering candles."Make a wish!" Kate called out enthusiastically, but Joel responded with a playful glare. We all shared a laugh as Kate playfully raised her hands in surrender, knowing that the birthday boy was not one for making wishes.Arabella had reluctantly agreed to celebrate Joel's birthday at home, but she made no promises about not participating in the traditional singing over a cake.Cheers erupted as Joel blew out the candles on his birthday cake, a small smile gracing his face. I took the cake from Arabella's hands as Miles began to cry, allowing her to tend to him, but Joel beat her to it."I'll take him, and you go get yourself some cake," Arabella suggested, but Joel declined.“I'll get some in
Arabella’s POVAs time flew by, Joel's sixteenth birthday was just around the corner. While for humans it might have been just another birthday, for our kind, it held far greater significance.His birthday coincided with a full moon, signifying that he would undergo his first shift. Leo had been preparing him for the transformation, emphasising the potential pain that accompanied it. However, we held onto hope that with Leo's Lycan blood coursing through his veins, Joel wouldn’t suffer too much.Despite our initial excitement about throwing a party to celebrate his birthday, he seemed to avoid the topic whenever it was brought up. It wasn't until we sat down as a family to discuss the idea that Joel finally opened up about his reluctance.He revealed that every party he had ever had in the past had been ruined by his father's drunken behaviour. My heart sank as I realised the pain and disappointment that Joel had carried with him from those past experiences.We understood his feelings
Leo’s POVThe following morning, I awoke to a sight that brought a smile to my face. Arabella was leaning over the baby's basket, her finger hovering near his tiny nose as she checked for signs of life. The baby was sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, his heart beating strong and steady.I couldn't help but chuckle at Arabella's motherly paranoia, her need to ensure our son's well-being even in his most peaceful moments. The love and protectiveness she felt for him were evident in every action, every gesture.My laughter caught her attention, and she turned around to find me watching her. In response, she playfully punched my shoulder. With a playful grin, I reached out and gently grabbed Arabella's shoulders, pulling her back towards me. As she turned in my arms, a smile lighting up her face, she snuggled close against me. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight, and feeling the steady beat of her heart against mine.“I suppose we should get